A 28-year-old woman experiences recurrent, unexpected panic attacks characterized by sudden onset of intense fear, palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom. These attacks peak within 10 minutes. She now avoids public places, fearing another attack. These symptoms have been present for 3 months and are not due to substance use or another medical condition. What is the most appropriate initial pharmacotherapy for long-term management?

The correct answer to the question "A 28-year-old woman experiences recurrent, unexpected panic attacks characterized by sudden onset of intense fear, palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom. These attacks peak within 10 minutes. She now avoids public places, fearing another attack. These symptoms have been present for 3 months and are not due to substance use or another medical condition. What is the most appropriate initial pharmacotherapy for long-term management?" is Option B: Sertraline.

The other options — A) Alprazolam as needed, C) Bupropion, D) Haloperidol — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: This patient's symptoms are consistent with panic disorder with agoraphobia. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline, are considered first-line pharmacotherapy for the lon…